Abstract | AIM: The mechanisms underlying development of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection are related to immune tolerance, but are as yet incompletely understood. Furin has been found to be essential for maintenance of peripheral immune tolerance mediated by regulatory T cells (Treg). Such effect of furin on chronic HBV infection was investigated in this study. METHODS: RESULTS: Furin mRNA expression in peripheral blood was significantly higher in patients with persistent HBV infection than in individuals with self-limited infection (P < 0.01), and was much higher in CHB patients than in those with asymptomatic persistent infection (P < 0.01). Furthermore, furin mRNA was relatively higher in patients with positive hepatitis B e antigen and higher levels of serum HBV DNA (>10 000 copies/mL). In patients with CHB, furin mRNA expression was found to correlate with TGF-β1 mRNA and FoxP3 mRNA expression using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient test. It was 5.7-times higher in CD4(+) CD25(+) T cells than in CD4(+) CD25(-) T cells and correlated with the frequency of Treg (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Furin mRNA expression in peripheral blood correlates with chronic HBV infection and liver damage, and seems to participate in immune inhibitory and anti-inflammatory mechanisms in HBV infection, mediated by TGF-β1 and/or Treg.
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Authors | Yan Chen, Xia Xie, Lin Gu, Xiao-Hui Huang, Xiao-Mou Peng |
Journal | Hepatology research : the official journal of the Japan Society of Hepatology
(Hepatol Res)
Vol. 43
Issue 2
Pg. 208-16
(Feb 2013)
ISSN: 1386-6346 [Print] Netherlands |
PMID | 22691181
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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Copyright | © 2012 The Japan Society of Hepatology. |